Photovoltaic systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple PV units on roofing products due to the complexity and cost of making numerous electrical connections, which are prone to environmental degradation and quality control issues during installation.

Innovation Solution

A roofing panel system with integrated wireless power transfer circuitry, including inductive and capacitive coupling, allows for the interconnection of PV cells and modules without direct physical contact, enabling efficient power transfer and reduction in electrical connections, using coils or capacitor plates with surface texturing for enhanced transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If numerous wired electrical connections are made to connect PV units on a rooftop, then electrical power transfer is achieved, but installation becomes difficult, expensive, and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic coupling. Instead of physically connecting PV units through cables and contacts, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly between PV units and the power supply unit, eliminating the need for complex wired installations while maintaining reliable power transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic coupling as an intermediary medium for power transfer. Rather than direct wired connections between PV units, electromagnetic fields serve as the medium to transmit electrical energy, simplifying the connection process while ensuring reliable power delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If numerous wired electrical connections are made during installation, then power transfer is enabled, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming wired connection processes with wireless electromagnetic coupling. Installers no longer need to physically connect cables between numerous PV units, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining full power transfer capability through electromagnetic fields

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If wired electrical connections are exposed to weathering, then electrical connections can be made, but environmental degradation affects connection quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection implementationVSAvoidenvironmental degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces exposed wired connections with wireless electromagnetic coupling, eliminating physical connection points that would be exposed to weathering. Power is transferred through electromagnetic fields that are not susceptible to environmental degradation, while still enabling straightforward power connection between PV units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from physical wired contacts and relocates it to wireless electromagnetic coupling. By removing the physical connection infrastructure from the system, the solution eliminates the vulnerability to environmental factors while maintaining the essential power transfer function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces material wear, and enhances system efficiency by eliminating the need for direct electrical connections, while providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing PV system that is resistant to environmental wear.

Implementation Method 1

wireless power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel and/or the AC grid and/or to an AC inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving circuitry comprising an inductor and a rectifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3000135B1Photovoltaic systems

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 ZINNIATEK

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AI summary

This invention relates to a roofing panel for interconnection with one or more additional roofing panels. The roofing panel comprises a PV cell coupled to an inverter, and wireless (or optionally wired) power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel and/or the AC grid and/or to an AC inverter, and/or for receiving power from another roofing panel.